A POPULAR celebration which brings people together to promote a strong sense of community is under threat due to a lack of funding.


More than 10,000 people visited this month's Chingford Festival, which saw a range of entertainment for all ages and tastes across a number venues.


But Irene Bull, who organises the festival on her own, has warned it may become a victim of its own success.


The event started as a small charity fundraiser organised while the 59-year-old was confined to a wheelchair with chronic fatigue syndrome, but has now grown to become one of the borough's best attended events.


She said at least £10,000 is needed to ensure the festival can continue and the Guardian is supporting her fundraising efforts.


"When it started it was half a dozen stalls and a lot of goodwill," she said.


"Being in a wheelchair meant I couldn't train as a caterer, which was what I wanted to do. I suppose this was a way of chasing that passion."
 

The summer festival is now centred on The Green in north Chingford and surrounding venues.


But sources of funding have dried up due to public sector cuts and the ongoing problems with the economy.


"It was a joy to see how important it was for people," Mrs Bull continued..
"It brings people back together who haven't seen each other all year. It really unites the community.


"It's impossible to do this on your own and it's got harder and harder to raise the money," she said.


"The money would let me hire some help and pay people just to deliver the 20,000 programmes we produce.


"It will let us hire security staff for all the venues as well as parking attendants, and the bands, food, performers and everything else we normally have."
 

If you wish to donate any amount to help ensure the festival goes ahead next year please contact Irene Bull at irenebull@hotmail.co.uk for details of how to do so.

 

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